Formed 1.2 billion years ago through water and ice erosion and columnar jointing, the Palisades of the Pijitawabik (pronounced pidg-i-ta-wa-bik)  are one the oldest and most remarkable geological formations Northwestern Ontario has to offer!

Climbing Haven
Among its many claims to fame, the Pijitawabik Palisades are world-renown as one of the top three ice climbing destinations in North America.

With 110 waterfalls ranging to over 130 feet high and freezing up to 33 feet thick, the Pijitawabik  Palisades boast the greatest concentration of climbable ice east of the Rockies. Ice and rock climbers from all over the world travel to Orient Bay to test this imposing precipice.

Spectacular Views
Year-round visitors will marvel in the pristine wonder of thunderous waterfalls and fantastic views that this scenic destination has to offer. In warmer weather, hikers and photographers will enjoy a scenic trek up the Palisade Hiking Trail to heights over 500 feet high.

Nature Protected
These massive prehistoric cliffs also serve as an ideal refuge for endangered wildlife such as the Peregrine Falcon as their populations struggle to recover from their threatened state. The vastness of the Palisades allows for the creation of microclimates upon its ancient surface giving life to many rare and unique plant species including several arctic-alpine disjuncts. As part of the Lake Nipigon Basin Signature Site, the Pijitawabik Palisades are now protected by Ontario’s Living Legacy Project with a goal “to protect, enhance and-where necessary-restore the natural ecosystems, populations and wilderness quality of the Lake Nipigon Basin while allowing for tourism, recreational and industrial developments that will not compromise the integrity or environmental values of the Basin ecosystem.”